"Writing for the Guardian, the Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, says public confidence has been affected by the controversy over Operation Midland’s investigation into claims that a VIP paedophile ring abused and murdered children in the 1970s and 1980s."
"The Met has been attacked over its inquiries into the former MP Harvey Proctor and former field marshal Lord Bramall, as well as former cabinet minister Lord Brittan. Hogan-Howe points out the policy that "a victim should always be believed" was advocated by the government-backed police inspectorate in 2014."
"Hogan-Howe warns that there would be an "emotional impact" on victims if the policy of automatic belief were dropped and writes: `A good investigator would go and test the accuracy of the allegations and the evidence with an open mind, supporting the complainant through the process`."
" `This is a more neutral way to begin than saying we should believe victims, and I believe it better describes our impartial mindset`..."
"The Guardian article is part of a fightback by Britain’s most senior police officer, keen to see the contract for his £260,000-a-year job extended once his five-year term ends in September. [Yes, very neutral] Hogan-Howe gives no hint he will bow to calls to halt Operation Midland imminently, although the police chief does not unequivocally back the actions of his investigators, decisions by senior officers and the force as a whole."
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/10/met-police-may-end-policy-of-believing-sexual-abuse-victims-says-hogan-howe?CMP=share_btn_fb
"The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, has asked a former High Court judge to examine the way non-recent sexual allegations against public figures are investigated. "
ReplyDelete"Sir Richard Henriques has agreed to conduct the independent review of a number of investigations and make recommendations about whether there are ways to improve the process for all of those involved in it in the future. "
"The key findings of the review and the recommendations will be published later this year, but the full review will contain confidential and sensitive information and WILL BE A PRIVATE REPORT FOR THE COMMISSIONER.
The Commissioner added: "The review will focus on police procedures and will not reach judgments on the evidence. That is for the Public Inquiry to do, should they wish to examine any of the investigations covered by Sir Richard. A full copy of the review will be given to the Public Inquiry."
http://news.met.police.uk/news/review-of-non-recent-sexual-allegations-150351?utm_campaign=send_list
Justice in secret ?